Antibody Production in Guinea Pigs Receiving 6-Mercaptopurine.

Abstract

Administration of 6-mercaptopurine in doses as great or greater than those which effectively inhibit the immunological responses of rabbits failed to show suppressive action in guinea pigs. No depression was found in the production of precipitins by guinea pigs following mild stimulation by a soluble protein antigen (BGG), nor in development of delayed hypersensitivity in response to sensitiza-tion by a simple chemical (picryl chloride). These findings are incompatible with the view that 6-MP is a general inhibitor of antibody synthesis in all animal species.